Unit 6: Biases and Limitations

Question 1

What is synthesis?

Answer 1

• Synthesis involves drawing upon arguments from multiple sources, determining relevant information, and combining material from sources into one’s own argument.
• It is when you take different ideas from several sources and combine them.
• Synthesis is NOT simply summarizing ideas from sources; it involves rearranging their ideas to fit together into a coherent argument.
• When synthesizing sources, authors show where they overlap and where they differ.

Question 2

What is a source?

Answer 2

• A source is “a place, person, or thing from which something comes or can be obtained.” For AP Lang, this refers to where information included in a passage or essay comes from.
• Sources provide information for an argument.
• Sources differ in reliability and credibility. Not all sources are equally trustworthy.
• Sources have a position and a perspective. Determining the position and perspective helps us determine if sources are reliable and credible.
• Sources have biases and limitations. These must be considered when evaluating an argument.
• A biased source does not consider other arguments or ideas.

Question 3

What are reliability and credibility?

Answer 3

• A reliable/credible source provides a thorough, well-reasoned theory, argument or discussion. based on strong evidence.
• Reliable and credible sources are those that experts in a relevant field would agree are correct and valid.

Question 4

Which sources are generally credible/reliable?

Answer 4

Peer-reviewed journals and well-established and respected publishing organizations are generally reliable/credible sources. Other sources, like websites and blogs, require further investigation to determine their reliability/credibility.

Question 5

What should you consider to determine whether a source is reliable/credible?

Answer 5

To determine whether a source is reliable/credible, consider the following:
- Who is the author?
- What is the purpose of the content?
- Where is the content from?
- Why does the source exist?
- How does this source compare to others?

Question 6

What is a position?

Answer 6

• A source’s position is its stance on or attitude towards an issue.
• Arguments are developed in order to defend one’s position. The position is often stated in the thesis.

A position can take the form of a…
… claim of fact
…claim of cause and effect
… claim of value
… claim of solution

Question 7

What is a perspective?

Answer 7

• A source’s perspective is its point of view as influenced by past experiences.
• Perspective can be influenced by a source’s background, interests, and expertise.

Question 8

What is the difference between position and perspective?

Answer 8

A source’s position is the stance it takes on a topic. The factors that shape the source’s opinion are irrelevant. It addresses what the source says rather than why.

A source’s perspective also deals with its stance on a topic. Unlike a position, a perspective considers the external factors that shape its opinion, such as life experiences. It is concerned with why the source argues what it does rather than just what it says.

Question 9

What is bias?

Answer 9

Bias is when a source gives unfair weight to certain things, people, or ideas. This weight can be positive or negative. That is, the source can be prejudiced in favor of or against something. Regardless of the direction, it is a form of bias.

• If a source fails to consider other positions, it is biased.
• If a source adequately considers other positions, it is unbiased.

Authors should consider the biases of their sources and determine how they may impact the validity/soundness of their arguments.

Question 10

What are signs a source may be biased?

Answer 10

• The source is obviously one-sided.
• The source uses unfounded claims instead of substantiated evidence in its argument.
• The source excludes relevant facts that would favor an opposing argument.
• The source presents opinions as if they are facts.
• The source uses extreme or inflammatory language.
• The source’s author claims authority on a subject but lacks relevant expertise.
• There is a conflict of interest between the source and the information presented.

Question 11

What are limitations of an argument?

Answer 11

Arguments have limitations because they cannot be true in all situations and at all times. No author should claim that their argument is the final authority in all cases. Instead, they should address how far their argument extends, and to which situations it does and does not apply.

Acknowledging limitations makes arguments stronger.

There are two types of limitations: uncertainty and scope.

Question 12

What is the limitation of uncertainty?

Answer 12

Acknowledging uncertainty means stating that we cannot have 100% confidence that our argument is correct. This type of limitation can be identified when an author uses words such as “perhaps,” “may,” or “might.”

Question 13

What is the limitation of scope?

Answer 13

Limiting the scope of an argument means drawing boundaries around what the argument is claiming. The author acknowledges that the argument does not apply in every situation or environment. These limitations can be introduced with words such as “sometimes,” “except,” and “excluding.”

Question 14

What is qualification of an argument?

Answer 14

Qualifying an argument is a way of acknowledging its limitations that allows authors to express uncertainty in their arguments or acknowledge that they do not apply in all situations. Qualification allows authors to add nuance to their arguments.

Qualification may be indicated by shifts in tone within a text.

Question 15

What words may be used to distinguish a qualified statement from an absolute one?

Answer 15

An absolute statement differs from a qualified statement. Various words are used to denote this difference. For example:
- “Will” (absolute) versus “may” (qualified)
- “All” (absolute) versus “many” or “some” (qualified)
- “Always” (absolute) versus “usually” (qualified)
- “Is” or “are” (absolute) versus “may be” (qualified)

Question 16

What is refinement of an argument?

Answer 16

Refining an argument or position involves making changes in order to add nuance and improve accuracy.

Refinement may be indicated by shifts in tone within a text.

Question 17

What should you consider when refining your argument?

Answer 17

When refining your argument, there are three main things to pay attention to:
1. Think through your reasoning. Is it logical? Do you present it clearly? Are all of your claims connected and supported?
2. Think about potential counter-arguments. Which of your claims could be disputed? Do any of your claims lack evidence? Where are the weaknesses in your argument that an opposing party could attack?
3. Think about the broader context and implications of your argument.
4. Consider qualifying or limiting your argument in light of its weaknesses and potential criticism.

Question 18

What is reconsideration of an argument?

Answer 18

Reconsideration involves reassessing one’s argument or perspective in order to possibly change or adapt it.

If authors are presented with a compelling counter-argument, they may reconsider their stance. This will involve reviewing their prior position and revising it to reflect their new opinion.

Reconsideration may be indicated by shifts in tone within a text.